Funds may be tighter now than at any time in recent memory, but many are hoping Finance Minister Paula Cox still manages to divert cash towards tackling the Island's escalating social problems.

Rehabilitation programmes for prisoners, projects creating jobs, and affordable housing are all on the wish list for community activist Gina Spence-Farmer, who has seen some of the worst examples of poverty and gang trouble in her own area, Pembroke.

"I would like to see a real effort and focus put into helping the working class families, as many people are finding themselves unemployed due to the economic challenges and many companies are having to cut back on work hours and jobs," Ms Spence-Farmer told The Royal Gazette yesterday.

"This will put immense pressure on families, housing and basic living needs. This will also create challenges that lead to anti-social behaviour.

"We are still yet to see affordable housing for the working poor. We are yet to see a proper emergency housing shelter facility for the homeless and we can rest assured those numbers will continue to increase with more and more people out of work.

"Too many Bermudians are hurting and have been left out of the Bermuda dream of owning their own homes and trying to survive in a Bermuda that has priced itself way out of their reach.

"I believe we must create jobs for our young men based on their skills and provide a re-entry programme for those with prison records who are reformed to find work."

The number of homeless people on the Island is said to be approaching 300, while many families are now said to be living in overcrowded conditions, because people are having to share homes having lost their jobs.

The former United Bermuda Party Senator believes Bermuda's soaring levels of gun crime and gang-related trouble are a knock-on effect of such social problems.

She added: "I applaud the Government for the efforts that have been made thus far and believe they have done an excellent job in managing international business affairs.

"Now they must find a balance in providing support for the social agenda and working class in our community. A country is not judged by its riches and wealth it is judged by how it cares for its seniors and those most disadvantaged in the community."

Salvation Army divisional commander Major Doug Lewis said: "I realise that money will be tight and that spending will need to be controlled and limited.

"However, I hope that there is a social services component still available, and by that I don't mean just money on the table, or Band-Aid solutions, but that there will be tangible contributions to rehabilitation and restoration.

"We need actual funding that will make a difference. During tough economic times the population as a whole needs careful consideration so that the numbers of marginalised does not increase."

And Bermuda Democratic Alliance MP Shawn Crockwell called for help for people below the poverty line.

"Government should consider tax relief for low-income workers," he said. "This can be done via a one-year concession on payroll tax for employees whose earnings fall below the poverty line, and this benefit should be passed directly to the employee in the form of increased wages."